Highlights from the National Universidade Católica Portuguesa Day Ceremony

A new choreography of knowledge. This was the motto chosen for the National Day of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in 2024. This motto evokes Pope Francis' message in his speech to young university students at the UCP on August 3 last year.

"The Holy Father called on young people to be the protagonists of a new choreography that places the human person at the centre, to be choreographers of the dance of life," said Católica President Isabel Capeloa Gil at the Academic Session on the occasion of the National UCP Day held on February 1.

Inspired by the Pope's message, the Rector reflected on the university as "a new choreographer of knowledge" with the mission of "forming entrepreneurs of dreams, who do not resign themselves" and thus "inspiring the drive to move in favour of a fulfilling future for all".

At the ceremony, Católica awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa to the artist Rui Chafes and the economist Helen Alford, recognising their contribution to "the progress of humanity through the cultivation of the sciences and to the splendour of the arts and humanities".

The event also included the imposition of insignia and the awarding of doctoral letters to doctors who obtained their degrees in 2023 and the awarding of silver and gold medals to UCP employees who completed 25 and 40 years of service last year.

Rewatch the ceremony | Download the photos